Shai Mika addresses for the first time the reopening of the Tair Rada murder case
The "Big Brother" winner commented on the reopening of the Tair Rada (may her memory be a blessing) murder case. As one of the last people to see her alive, she stated: "If I weren't famous, no one would be mentioning my name."
Nearly 20 years after the shocking murder of Tair Rada (may her memory be a blessing) in the restrooms of the Nofei Golan school in Katzrin, the police have decided to reopen the investigation and pursue new leads based on recently received information. Following this development, rumors have resurfaced regarding the winner of the seventh season of "Big Brother," Shai Mika Ifrach, who was a friend of Tair and was present at the school that day.
Over the last 24 hours, false rumors spread on social media claiming that a "well-known reality figure" had been arrested and taken for questioning. In an interview this Sunday for the program "HaTzinor" on Reshet 13, Ifrach rejected these claims: "If I weren't famous, no one would be talking about me at all, no one would be bringing up my name."
"I was in shock at how far this story could go," Ifrach shared with the host, Guy Lerer. "It was important for me to come and be interviewed immediately to prevent another witch hunt and online lynching. I won't let that happen; today I am a mother. Back then I was a child, but over the years it has become madness."
She asserted: "People are just throwing things out there; there is no connection. My father is not a policeman, I was never accused, and I was never a suspect. I was on the other side—I lost a friend." Regarding her reconstruction of events as the last friend to see Tair, she added: "I was a little girl, I didn't read the investigation files. A few years ago, I gathered the courage to read them. Do you know how many people saw her afterward? What do people want from my life? They ruined much of my life and soul by suggesting I was a murderer or complicit in some way."
Ifrach also addressed claims by Ilana Rada, Tair’s mother, who has stated over the years that they were not friends and that Ifrach used Tair’s name to gain fame: "It is time to put an end to this. Leave my soul alone. Ilana is a smart woman who lost the most precious thing in her life. Today, as a mother, I wouldn't see anything else either, and I don't judge her. But have I been angry at her? I was for many years."
"It is true that I went on 'Big Brother' and mentioned Tair’s name, but I did not do it with bad intentions; it is simply part of my life. If I ignored it, I would be wrong, and if I talk about it, it’s not okay. Whatever I do, it’s not okay." Explaining her silence over the years, she said: "I wish I had the courage. I was terribly afraid of Ilana. Whatever I did, I would come out wrong."
When asked who she believes is behind the murder, she replied: "All these years I thought it was Roman (Zadorov). That is the truth. Since I was a child, I thought it was Roman. Now that this whole thing is spiraling again, there are all sorts of scary and delusional things online. Let’s let the police decide; it is time."
As recalled, Roman Zadorov, a tiler at the school, was convicted in 2010 but was finally acquitted on March 30, 2023, after serving 17 years in prison. He later reached a compensation agreement with the state for 17 million shekels.
After the broadcast, Ifrach shared on social media: "Thanks to God for everything. To all the people trying to ruin my life: I won't let you! There is none else besides Him. Free love, blessings to everyone. And love your neighbor as yourself."
